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Oral Surgery - Jaw Surgery

Jaw Surgery/ Orthognathic Surgery

Jaw surgery or Orthognathic surgery is often performed to correct an improper bite and misaligned jaws, due to differences in growth rates in the upper vs. lower jaw, injury, and birth defects. Although orthodontics can correct some bite problems for your teeth you may also require corrective jaw surgery. This will take considerable coordination from your orthodontist and Dr. Girod to plan that teeth will fit correctly after surgery. Symptoms that should be evaluated at the time of consultation are:

Difficulty biting, chewing, or swallowing

Speech problems

Open bite (inability to make lips close comfortably)

Protruding jaw

Breathing problems or sleep apnea

Receding chin

This type of surgery can enhance a person's appearance dramatically, but its main purpose is to correct a persons functional problems. This process will take commitment from both the patient and orthodontist, as it is a lengthy process. With the help of your Primary Care Physician or Orthodontist we will be able to determine if this procedure is right for you.